When people think about termite infestations, they often imagine pests coming up from the soil or through cracks in the foundation. But drywood termites are a very different kind of threat. These sneaky invaders don’t need soil contact or ground access to infest your home—they often arrive inside the wood itself.
In South Florida, where drywood termites thrive thanks to the warm, humid climate, it’s surprisingly common for homeowners to unknowingly bring these pests indoors via furniture, wood trim, picture frames, or even decorative wood pieces. Understanding how this happens is essential to preventing costly damage and protecting your home.
How Drywood Termites Get Inside
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live their entire life inside dry, solid wood. This means they can:
• Hide inside antique or secondhand furniture
• Infest wooden picture frames, baseboards, or crown molding
• Live inside wooden window or door frames
• Be transported in wooden crates, pallets, or shipping materials
When you bring any of these items into your home, you may be importing a hidden colony without realizing it.
Common culprits include:
✅ Antique or vintage furniture bought secondhand
✅ Imported wood products or décor
✅ Old picture frames or mirrors with wood backing
✅ Used wooden cabinets, desks, or dressers
✅ Wooden shipping crates or pallets from other regions
Once inside, drywood termites can expand their colony, moving into other wooden structures in your home.
Why It’s Hard to Notice at First
Drywood termites don’t need to leave the wood to survive. They feed, live, and reproduce all within the wooden material, often remaining completely hidden.
Early signs are subtle and easy to miss:
• Tiny kick-out holes where termites push out their droppings (frass)
• Small piles of pellet-shaped droppings near wooden items
• Slight blistering or uneven surfaces on wood
• A hollow sound when tapping on infested wood
By the time most homeowners notice these signs, the colony has often been active for months or even years.
Furniture: A Hidden Trojan Horse
One of the most common ways drywood termites enter homes is through infested furniture. That beautiful vintage chair, reclaimed wood table, or ornate picture frame might already harbor a small termite colony.
Unlike subterranean termites, which enter through structural weaknesses, drywood termites are imported directly into the home. Once they establish themselves, they can spread into walls, floors, ceilings, and other wooden features—causing widespread damage over time.
How to Protect Your Home from Drywood Termite Hitchhikers
While it’s impossible to inspect every piece of wood perfectly, there are several smart steps you can take to reduce your risk:
1. Inspect Secondhand Furniture Carefully
Check for tiny holes, fine wood dust (frass), or unusual blistering on wood surfaces. Tap the wood lightly to listen for a hollow sound.
2. Treat or Seal Vulnerable Wood
If you bring in antique or reclaimed wood, consider pre-treating it with a wood preservative or having it inspected by a pest control professional.
3. Avoid Storing Wood Items in Humid Areas
Moisture increases the risk of infestation. Keep wooden items in dry, well-ventilated areas.
4. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
Even the most careful homeowner can miss the subtle signs. An annual termite inspection by a licensed professional can catch infestations early and prevent costly repairs.
Why Professional Help Is Essential
Drywood termites are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional-grade treatments. Because they live deep inside wood, over-the-counter sprays or DIY methods cannot reach the core of the colony.
At TORO Pest, we specialize in:
✅ Free inspections to detect hidden drywood termite infestations
✅ Targeted wood treatments for localized infestations
✅ Whole-structure fumigation when widespread colonies are present
✅ Preventive solutions to protect wood and prevent reinfestation
We know where to look, how to treat, and how to ensure your home stays termite-free—especially in a region like South Florida where termite activity is constant.
Schedule Your Free Drywood Termite Inspection Today
If you’ve recently brought secondhand furniture or wooden décor into your home—or if you’re seeing suspicious signs on your trim or frames—don’t wait.
Call TORO Pest today for a free termite inspection and let us help you catch drywood termites before they spread. Protect your home, your furniture, and your investment with expert care.
